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If you're in the mood to head to a pub, but you're not in the mood for a standard steak or schnitty pub meal, head to Subida Pintxos & Tapas Bar, which sits above Woolahra's Light Brigade.

Well-suited to soak up booze (if you've had a few at the Light Brigade Bar or rooftop) are the smaller pintxos dishes. Manchego croquettes ($6) and the tortilla de bacalao with salt cod, zucchini flowers and butter sauce ($8) are heavy on cheese, salt, and, of course, butter — exactly what you're looking for before or after (or while) you drink.

Subida is unlike other Sydney Spanish restaurants in two ways: it's located on the first level of an eastern suburbs pub (a 120-year-old eastern suburbs pub, mind you) and its tapas plates are sizeable — you don't need to order everything on the menu to feel satisfied.

The octopus a la plancha, which is served with broad beans, potato and aioli, is one of the fresher and most-flavourful options ($26) on the menu. The Brussels sprouts with crisp-fried chickpeas and sobrassada ($14), while not so Spanish, is a great paired with the chimichurri beef short rib ($32).

While there are a quite a few Spanish wines and beers on offer — you'll find everything from cava to Estrella and a few bold bottles of Rioja to three dessert sherries — the cocktails at Subida are your best bet. In particular, the Stealth Margarita, made with the usual suspects as well as elderflower liqueur and jalapeños, it packs a subtle punch ($18).

Not necessarily the place you would seek out to experience Spanish cuisine, Subida is a fun alternative to your usual pub fare and a good pit stop en-route to the Light Brigade rooftop or before a game.